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University business students need your projects
26 July, 2004
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) business students need
ideas and projects from community groups, businesses and
organisations on the Coast to work on as part of their 2005
competition entry for the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)
National Award.
SIFE is a global student organisation that aims to change the
world through innovative and socially responsible community
projects.
Four USC business students travelled to Melbourne recently to
attend the Australian National SIFE Competition to help them
prepare for their competition entry next year.
Projects presented by students from thirty Australian
universities at this year's competition ranged from chocolate
crackle fundraisers, to Justice Department women in community
service projects, netball marketing to online shopping website
design.
USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas said the experience
would greatly benefit students by giving them experience in finding
solutions to real business problems.
"It is important our students graduate with the skills they need
for successful employment in their chosen field," Professor Thomas
said.
"By helping community groups and organisations solve problems
and creating business and marketing plans for these groups,
students will leave university with real experience and practice in
not only the theory of their degree but also improved communication
and interpersonal skills, which are key qualities employers look
for."
"Students will take an advisory role in the project, teaching
skills to the community and passing on what they have learned at
university."
"The SIFE project has the potential to reach across the other
faculties at the University and provide workplace experiences for
students in computer-based art and design and public
relations."
Faculty of Business Dean, Professor Deborah Ralston, said it was
an important part of university experience for business students to
be able to compete in the national competition.
"This year, USC students presented the 2004 Business Plan for
the Students Mean Business Club to a panel of 12 CEO's from around
Australia," Professor Ralston said.
"They observed the presentations of this years competitors,
which were judged by a panel of 50 CEO's and representatives of
major corporations, including Roger Corbett of Woolworths," she
said.
"The students were also able to see what is expected from them
next year, including the production of an actual annual report for
the organisation they are working with," Professor Ralston
said.
"We are looking for expressions of interest from community
groups who have a problem that may fit with the criteria of the
SIFE competition."
"The judging criteria are; how creative, innovative and
effective the students were in teaching market economy,
entrepreneurial, personal and financial success skills and business
ethics," Professor Ralston said.
The University is seeking input from the community to help
identify areas of need for the SIFE projects to address.
Please direct enquiries to Melissa Sheridan at the University of
the Sunshine Coast Faculty of Business on (07) 5459 4617.